Where the Carrollton DPS Office Is and What It Handles

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in Carrollton is located at 1717 East Main Street, Carrollton, TX 75006. This office issues and renews all standard driver licenses, commercial driver licenses (CDLs), and identification cards for Denton County residents and anyone else in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who chooses to visit this location.

The Carrollton office handles the full range of DPS transactions: first-time license applications, renewals, replacements for lost or stolen licenses, address changes, and CDL testing and issuance. It is not a satellite location with limited services — you can complete most driver license business here that you would at any other full-service DPS office in Texas.

This office does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or inspection stickers. Those transactions happen at your county tax assessor-collector's office, which in Denton County is a separate location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Carrollton DPS office is at 1717 East Main Street and serves the entire Dallas-Fort Worth region, not just Carrollton residents.
  • You can renew, replace, or obtain a new driver license or CDL at this location, but vehicle registration and title work must be done at the county tax assessor-collector's office.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day and season; checking the DPS website or calling ahead before you go saves time.
  • You must bring original or certified documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number — copies and digital photos do not work.
  • The office accepts payment by cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but fees vary depending on the type of license and whether you are renewing or replacing.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific original documents for every driver license transaction. Photocopies, faxes, and photos on your phone will not be accepted, even if you have the original at home.

For a first-time license, bring: a certified birth certificate or passport (proof of identity and age), a Social Security card or W-2 form (proof of your Social Security number), and two documents proving your current Texas address — such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A driver license from another state counts as identity proof but not as address proof.

For a renewal, bring your current Texas driver license and proof of address if your license shows an old address. If your license is expired by more than two years, you may need to provide identity and Social Security proof again.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring your Social Security card or equivalent and proof of address. You do not need to re-prove your identity if your license was valid when it was lost.

If you are explore for a CDL, you also need a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner — the DPS office does not issue these. You can find examiners through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.

Hours, Wait Times, and How to Prepare

The Carrollton DPS office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and longest on Fridays and the first week of each month, when people renew before their licenses expire.

The office does not take appointments for standard driver license services. You arrive, take a number, and wait. During busy periods, wait times can exceed two hours. Calling the office at (972) 466-6000 before you go can give you a sense of current wait times, though staff cannot reserve your spot.

Bring all required documents in originals, not copies. Bring your Social Security card itself, not a photo or a number written on paper. If you do not have all documents, staff will turn you away and you will have wasted the trip. Bring a pen to fill out forms — the office provides them, but having your own speeds the process.

If you need a new photo, the office takes one on-site at no extra charge. Wear clothing that contrasts with your skin tone and avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup — Texas photo rules are strict and photos taken out of compliance will be rejected.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Texas depend on the type of license and the term. A standard five-year driver license costs $45. A standard eight-year driver license costs $65. A renewal costs the same as a new license. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $20.

A CDL costs $100 for a five-year license or $140 for an eight-year license. These fees do not include the cost of the medical certificate, which you obtain separately from a medical examiner.

The Carrollton office accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by check, write it to the State of Texas. The office does not accept third-party checks or post-dated checks.

When You Cannot Complete Your Transaction at Carrollton

The Carrollton DPS office cannot issue a license if you have an active suspension, revocation, or disqualification on your driving record. You must resolve the suspension through the DPS before you can renew or obtain a new license. Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines require payment; suspensions for failure to appear in court require you to contact the court; suspensions for child support arrears require you to contact the Texas Attorney General's office.

If you are under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian present with a photo ID. The office will not issue a license to a minor without a parent or guardian in the building.

If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you may be required to retake the written test and vision test, even though you are renewing rather than explore for a new license. Call ahead to confirm whether your specific situation requires testing.

If you need to change your name on your license — due to marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The Carrollton office can process name changes on the same visit as your license renewal or replacement.

Parking, Location, and Getting There

The Carrollton DPS office is located at 1717 East Main Street, in a commercial area near the intersection of Main Street and Josey Lane. There is a parking lot on-site with spaces for standard vehicles and accessible parking for people with disabilities. The lot fills during peak hours, but turnover is fast because most transactions take 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter.

If you are using public transportation, the DART bus system serves Carrollton. Route 205 stops near the office on Main Street. Check the DART website for current schedules and trip planning.

The office is not wheelchair accessible from the front entrance due to a single step, but there is an accessible entrance on the side of the building. Call (972) 466-6000 before your visit if you need accessible parking or entrance information.

What Happens After You Complete Your Transaction

After you pass the vision test and photo, the office prints your temporary license receipt on the spot. This receipt is valid for driving in Texas for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Keep it with you — it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic card arrives.

Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of issue. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to check the status.

If you need your license sooner than standard mail delivery, you cannot request expedited shipping through the Carrollton office. Your only option is to return to the office and request a replacement, which costs an additional $20 and takes another 7 to 10 days to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Carrollton?

You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. Online renewal costs $45 and takes 7 to 10 days to arrive by mail. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must visit the office in person.

What if I have an out-of-state license and want to switch to a Texas license?

Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease), your Social Security card, and proof of identity. The Carrollton office will issue your Texas license and you can surrender your old license. You do not need to wait for your out-of-state license to expire.

Do I need an appointment if I go early in the morning?

No. The Carrollton office does not use an appointment system. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Arriving at 8:00 a.m. when the office opens typically means a shorter wait than arriving later in the day, but there is no way to reserve your spot in advance.

What if I fail the vision test or written test?

If you fail the vision test, you can retake it when ready at no extra charge. If you fail the written test, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it. You do not pay the license fee again if you fail and retake — the fee covers the entire transaction, including retests.

Can I get a Real ID at the Carrollton office?

Yes. A Real ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license and requires the same documents, plus proof of Social Security number. The Real ID is valid for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Ask for a Real ID when you explore or renew.